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Free agent Forsberg hopeful for a return but no timeline on his decision

As to when he will, and for which team, and on which continent? Well, that remains to be seen. The superstar centre headlines the list of remaining players in the NHL's free-agent class. But unlike most of the free agents who are scrambling to find a home before training camps open in just over two weeks, the 34-year-old Forsberg will take his time figuring out whether his surgically repaired ankles can handle the workload for a 12th NHL season.

"We're not going to get engaged with any teams in terms of any serious contract discussions until he can be sure his foot is where he wants it to be," Forsberg's agent Don Baizley told The Canadian Press on Monday. "And he's not putting a timeline on when that's going to be."

His appearance in a few charity hockey games in his native Sweden this month had people chirping on both sides of the Atlantic.

Was he ready for a return to the NHL? Or was he paving the way for a season in Sweden?

It's still too soon to tell. Most of the NHL's 30 clubs have phoned Baizley to find out what's going on with Forsberg, but the answer was the same to all of them: Save your breath, don't make an offer yet.

"Peter's decision is not imminent, that's for sure," said Baizley. "This is not something he's going to decide next week."

Forsberg earned US$5.75 million with Philadelphia and Nashville last season, when he collected 55 points (13-42) in 57 games.

Another free-agent forward still in limbo is Teemu Selanne. The 37-year-old Finn has yet to inform the Anaheim Ducks whether he'll return. While he is technically an unrestricted free agent he's indicated he would only play for the Ducks if he returns. The clock is ticking.

"Selanne has promised to let me know once he's made a decision and he hasn't yet. It's that simple," said Baizley.